Apparently, the story of the Buddha is now a musical—Big Band style. It's called Buddha Swings:

Young Prince Sidd has it all: wealth, youth, fame and family. He's introduced to the tune of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and later "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo," only he's a guy from Kapilivastu (tu-tu-tu-tu).

And this:

He tries various paths to spiritual enlightenment, and they all turn out to be another song and dance, literally. Possibly the best is the one about the quest for nirvana, to the tune of "Rum and Coca Cola."

If anyone's in San Antonio, please see it and tell us what's going on out there.

Saw it opening night (should mention the playwright is my husband). It's short, funny, moving in places - a light-hearted, unpretentious appreciation of Buddhist "basics" and a response of sorts to populist pieces like "Jesus Rocks", complete with swing dancing and parodies of big band numbers.

It's selling out, and the San Antonio Shambhala Center sangha, of which I am a member, is planning a sangha night out at the theater on Aug 8. Should be fun!